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Syracuse University’s Student Association discussed the proposed Textbook Affordability initiative and further plans to expand textbook access and class cost transparency during its meeting Monday. The assembly was joined by John Papazoglou, the university’s senior vice president and chief operations officer, and Barnes & Noble representative John Cusick.

TAI aims to provide students with accurate pricing estimates for class resources 30 days before the first day of classes, Cusick said. With the proposed initiative, students could explore more cost-effective options to purchase books when viewing their course syllabi instead of finding out about high textbook costs once on campus.

“There are two parts of this, (students are) saving money, which is always the big one, that’s always really important,” Cusick said. “But it’s also the accessibility and the convenience.”

To promote the initiative, SA will create a marketing campaign centered on concerns over purchasing textbooks and provide testimonials of students struggling to access course materials to incentivize faculty to notify students of required materials earlier, Papazoglou said. The association initially discussed improving textbook adoption at its first spring semester meeting and proposed a similar program.

Papazoglou said students often struggle to afford textbooks, which impacts their academic performance. With the initiative, he said course materials will become more affordable, especially for students on financial aid.

As part of TAI, faculty will be required to report required textbooks to SU’s campus bookstore in a system known as textbook adoption. Papazoglou said SU saw 33% adoption in the spring semester, but hopes to get that figure above 90% by fall 2025.

“The earlier you tell students (about required material), the longer the students have to choose and go shopping everywhere they want,” Papazolou said.

Under the proposed legislation, SU’s campus bookstore will provide students with information on different price options, ebooks, used books, and rentals available. Cusick said access to course material has gotten more complicated with digital options broadening student choice, and ensured there would be a professional team in the bookstore to provide immediate aid for students struggling with inclusive access.

Cusick said he believes TAI will directly benefit low-income students by allowing them to access course material with decreased stress. SA Vice President Reed Granger seconded this, adding that cheaper materials would make college more accessible for future students.

“It’s not going to take three or four or five days,” Cusick said. “We’re going to come up with a solution for you right away.”

Other business:

• SA will start its bi-weekly meetings with University Union this Tuesday as part of its launch of the Review Board Committee. The meetings will allow for smoother communication between major organizations on campus, SA President German Novlios said.
• SA will host a town hall Wednesday to discuss advanced allocations and field concerns from student organizations that were underfunded as a result of limited funding this year.

Published on February 25, 2025 at 1:01 am